The Energy Charter’s Post

With extensive renewable energy projects committed across Australia in the coming decade, community support is essential to the realisation of a renewable energy driven economy. A Community Engagement Review, commissioned by federal energy minister Chris Bowen has found that poor community engagement has led to distrust of renewable energy project developers and, in particular, developers of major new grid transmission projects. Surveys conducted with landholders and community members returned some negative feedback (as seen below). The Review made the following recommendations to improve engagement with renewable energy infrastructure developments: 💡encourage best practice and select reputable developers for new projects reduce unnecessary and onerous community engagement by improving the way project sites are selected 💡make engagement more efficient by revising planning and approval processes 💡improve complaint handling processes 💡keep communities informed about the transition, including its goals, benefits and requirements 💡equitably share the benefits of the transition. The Australian Government accepts in principle all 9 recommendations in the Review. Though much of the responsibility for implementation will be on state and territory governments. To decarbonise as a nation, we must ensure a just transition, greening the economy in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone concerned, creating job opportunities and leaving no one behind. Through transparent planning, empathy, education, and active engagement with a broad range of community stakeholders, developers and governments can demonstrate: 💡the economic benefits of a green transition with new jobs, economic growth, and reduced energy bills 💡the health benefits of minimising pollution and harmful waste that is a byproduct of the fossil fuel industry 💡how their community can enable urgent climate action and help to reduce emissions https://lnkd.in/ggw2gkmW https://lnkd.in/gcJ5-97u. #renewableenergy #decarbonisation #government #evcharging #climatechange

Transitioning to renewable energy is a big challenge. As the industry matures, it's important that our energy and environmental sectors are working together. There are opportunities for renewable energy companies to reduce impact and create environmental benefits at all stages of a project’s life. This new 'Better Practice Guide' maps these interventions and highlights key stages that are important to get right. We are pleased to have been among the collaborators working on the ‘Better Practice Renewables and Biodiversity: Opportunities for Collaboration Guide (Better Practice Guide)’, which was launched this week: https://lnkd.in/gPmiqBNV This guide was produced by The Energy Charter and RE-Alliance, in collaboration with Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC), us, Australian Conservation Foundation, Beyond Zero Emissions, CleanCo Queensland, CS Energy, Energy Estate, Energy Queensland, Powerlink Queensland, Queensland Conservation Council, Stanwell Corporation Limited, The Next Economy, The Sunrise Project and WWF. This #BetterTogether Biodiversity + Renewables initiative aims to deliver better outcomes in the intersection between biodiversity and renewable energy.

As the conversation around renewable energy regulations evolves in Alberta, we want to share a draft of the Viewscapes and Visual Impact Assessment Zones map for future renewable energy projects. This map, although not yet official, represents a step forward in guiding sustainable development in our province. Why is this map important? 1️⃣ Clarity: The map provides clarity on designated zones for renewable energy projects, ensuring efficient utilization of land resources while minimizing visual impact. 2️⃣ Guidance: It offers guidance to developers, communities, and policymakers, fostering informed decision-making and streamlined project planning processes. 3️⃣ Sustainability: By promoting renewable energy development in appropriate locations, we contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come. #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #EnergyDevelopment #EnvironmentalImpact #GreenFuture

Power for All, a key player in promoting distributed renewable energy (#DRE), joined the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)'s Coalition for Action in 2023. This coalition is dedicated to advancing renewable energy to support the global energy transition, aligning with the United Nations' #SDG7, which focuses on universal access to sustainable energy. Our collaboration with IRENA and the Coalition for Action has raised significant awareness about the critical connection between SDG7 and #SDG2, which targets the end of #hunger and the promotion of #sustainableagriculture. Amid the #climatecrisis, Power for All advocates for prioritizing #cleanenergy solutions for #smallholderfarmers to address agricultural inequities and secure future food supplies. During the Fourteenth Session of the IRENA Assembly (Part II), the Coalition for Action reviewed its achievements for 2023, introduced a new organizational structure, and announced new appointments to its Steering Committee and Working Group chairs. We are proud to announce the election of Penny-Jane Cooke, our Director of Partnerships, Campaigns, and Advocacy, to the Steering Committee, enhancing our influence and capacity to drive change within the sector. She joins an esteemed group of global energy leaders including Joyce Lee, Head of Policy and Projects, Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC); Elvira López Prados, Head of the CEO Office, ACCIONA Energía; Dave Renne, Immediate Past President, International Solar Energy Society ISES; Máté Heisz, Chair, SolarPower Europe; Rana Adib, Executive Director, REN21; Raul Alfaro-Pelico, Director Knowledge, Policy and Finance, IRENA; Marlene "Lena" Dente, Senior Programme Manager, World Future Council; Monica Oliphant, Head of World Wind Energy Association. In addition, Brian Kawuma, our Director of Agriculture, has been appointed as a co-chair of the Working Group Empowering People and Communities. Alongside Shota Furuya from the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies and Stefan Gsänger from the World Wind Energy Association, he will lead efforts to explore the benefits of a fair and inclusive energy transition, aiming to enhance local value, create quality jobs, and promote community ownership by linking energy, well-being, and nature. #EndEnergyPovertyFaster #RenewableEnergy #SustainableDevelopment

Powering Queensland’s Future: The Bold Vision of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan The $62 billion Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (QEJP), launched in September 2022, marks a pivotal step in transitioning Queensland to a clean energy future, with Queensland Hydro at its helm. Tasked with developing long-duration pumped hydro energy storage at Borumba and Pioneer-Burdekin, these projects are designed to drastically cut carbon emissions and provide vital energy storage for the Queensland SuperGrid. Aligning with global renewable energy goals set at COP28, these initiatives not only promise environmental benefits but also foster regional development, job creation, and community engagement. By integrating proven technology with a commitment to environmental stewardship and local collaboration, Queensland Hydro is set to deliver a sustainable and prosperous future for the state. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gAP-9U8k

🌿 Best Practises for renewable energy installations in National Parks🇺🇲 ! 🌿 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) and the National Park Service (NPS) are teaming up to bring renewable energy to federal facilities and lands. The strategy emphasizes starting with energy efficiency and conservation measures to ensure renewable energy systems are appropriately sized and cost-effective. This approach not only supports environmental stewardship but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and inspires millions of park visitors annually. This collaboration aims to: 💢 Identify cost savings and efficiency benefits 🌍 Reduce carbon footprints and achieve carbon neutrality 🏭 Enhance the resilience of NPS facilities For more details, check out the full report here. https://lnkd.in/dRsNPFKv Let’s lead the way in sustainable practices and make a positive impact on our environment! 🌍✨ #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #NationalParks #EnvironmentalStewardship #CleanEnergy

⚙💡 Renewable energy is powering our office, reducing costs and our carbon footprint. At our Montserrado office, we've installed 15 Kilowatts of renewable energy, eliminating the need for generators. Our regional office in Bong has a similar 8-Watt setup. This clean, sustainable solution saves us money and helps protect our planet. We are proud to embrace renewable energy and inspire others to follow our lead towards a brighter, more resilient future. Thanks to #Sida - Styrelsen för Internationellt Utvecklingssamarbete through the Embassy of #Sweden in Monrovia. - #InsideNAYMOTE #DemocracyMatters #PoliticalAccountability #InspireGenerations #ThePresidentMeterProject #YPLS #YouthLegislativePolicyDialogue #TheLegislativeAccountabilityProject #YouthEmpowerment #WomenInLeadership #SocialAccountability #ParticipativeGovernance #TolerantSociety #InclusivePolitic

The long-awaited Renewable Areas Decree is on everyone's lips in the #renewable energy sector. It's worth noting that while central government institutions are still reviewing the decree, regional authorities are enacting legislation in a controversial manner, creating disparities despite the national government's intention to standardize renewable #energy legislation and frequently hinder the development of the local sector through their regulations, further alienating communities from a future of #sustainability. We need to to reflect on the impact those regulations could have on the future of our projects. The proposed regulations appear decidedly restrictive and could compromise the development of high-potential projects. It's often impossible to find areas that actually meet the required criteria and this could scale back the sector's development, setting aside valuable projects to settle for less than what the country has to offer. As Revalue Energies, we believe in the importance of a forward-thinking and responsible approach in the renewable energy sector. We are committed to promoting high-quality projects that can truly make a difference in our journey towards a greener and more sustainable future for all. Furthermore, we are dedicated to fostering projects that enhance the local landscape and agricultural characteristics of the land, respecting and utilizing the unique offerings of each local community with the aim of enhancing it. #RevalueEnergies #RevalueOurFuture #RenewableEnergies

🔋 The Challenge of Renewable Energy in Northern Ireland 🔋 As the only area in the UK and Ireland without a subsidy for large-scale renewable generation, our region is at a significant disadvantage. 🌱 If a wind farm were built here today, it would receive no governmental support, unlike in other regions. This gap highlights the urgent need for planning reforms and improved grid connections to foster sustainable energy projects. Addressing these issues isn't just about keeping pace with the rest of the UK and Ireland—it's about securing a sustainable future for our community and beyond. Let's push for the changes that will allow renewable energy to thrive here. 💡 #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #ClimateAction #CleanEnergy #PublicPolicy #Government #EnergySector #dcev #ev #electriccar #electricvehicle #electriccircle #northernireland